KARPATHOS TRAVEL GUIDE

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Karpathos or Pigadia

Karpathos or Pigadia, as it is also known, is the capital and port of the island. It is located in the southeast part of the island on the foothills of Mount Kali Limni.

The town of Karpathos is a quite modern. Most of the houses and public buildings were built by expatriates from America, who had spent a vacation on the island. Touring around the town can be a pleasant experience for every visitor. Everywhere around you will enjoy beautiful scenery that combines the island traditions with modern comforts. Among the sites worth visiting are the remains of the Early Christian basilica of Saint Fotini on the coastal road. From the church’s architectural features we understand that it was built on the base of an ancient temple.

Olympos

A visit to the village of Olympos or Elympos, as the locals call it, can be a really special experience. Here time has left everything untouched. For centuries it has shown respect to the beauty of this land and to the unique creations of island architecture that have turned the village into a living folklore museum.

Olympos is located in the northeast part of the island. The village is built in a hilly, isolated region. Due to its location, far from other villages on the island, the residents have managed to maintain the style of the village and their traditions. It is characteristic that even today most of residents are dressed in the local costume and speak the local dialect which is difficult for visitors to understand.

Arkasa

16km from the town is the coastal village of Arkasa. It has been built in a lusciously green location with beautiful beaches and important historic monuments. On the hill of Paleokastro, you will see the remains of the ancient town, Arkesia. In the same region the remains of Saint Anastasia Church, dating from the 5th B.C. have been saved. It has beautiful mosaic floors, parts of which are in the churchyard. The mosaic has now been transferred to Rhodes Museum.

Mesochori

Mesochori is one of the most graphic villages in Karpathos. It is located 31km northwest of the capital, built on a hill. It has a glorious view, while the whole village is a living monument to the past. With its traditional beauty and authentic island identity it impresses every visitor. Walk along the village roads and admire the architecture of residences and public buildings. The narrow paths lead to wide, stone steps in the village’s old neighbourhoods.